A smattering of kidlit books by Edmonton and area authors. There are waaaaay more!!!

I’m going to tell you one of Edmonton’s best-kept secrets… in just a moment. First, I digress…

…because this best-kept secret is not supposed to be a secret at all. In fact, I’ve told it to many people over the years, yet somehow the word isn’t fully getting out. So today, I’m using my blog to shout this message out to the universe:

Edmonton is CRAWLING with children’s authors. LOUSY with them, in fact.

And you want to know something else? They’re really GOOD!

So in preparation for this week’s event, “Smorgasbook: A Youth Literature Buffet” (Wed. Nov. 12th, 6:30 pm, Whitemud Library, 4211-106 St), here is a not-everything-you-need-to-know-but-the-best-I-can-do guide to Edmonton’s children and teen authors.

“Demon Gate” is the first book in the Ehrich Weisz Chronicles by Marty Chan. The second book in the series soon follows. And since it’s my blog, I’m also going to put in a special plug for my favourite series among Marty’s juvenile titles: Barnabas Bigfoot. Who can resist a bigfoot with small feet?!

Frost is my favourite book by Nicole Luiken, a long-time Edmontonian. I was captivated by the characters’ northern lifestyle and by the sometimes-creepy speculative element. I dare you to read it!

I can’t talk about Edmonton authors without including at least one title by my dear friend and mentor, Mary Woodbury. “Merron’s Ghosts” is the final book that Mary released and I look forward to reading it. Some day.  You might say I’m still in denial about Mary’s sudden passing almost two years ago.

Among Glen Huser’s best known titles are his GG Award winner, “Stitches” and the young adult book that followed entitled “Skinnybones And The Wrinkle Queen.” Glen currently lives in Vancouver but Edmonton was his home for many years. As with Mary Woodbury, I had the good fortune to cross paths with Glen when I was just beginning to write fiction for young people. I’m lucky to consider Glen one of my mentors as well.

A highly versatile author, Gwen Molnar’s “Casey Templeton Mysteries” diverge widely from her previous titles. Imagine writing adorable animal rhymes (“Animal Rap”) and “I Said To Sam,” then somehow writing YA novels called “Hate Cell” and “Old Bones.” Wow. Just wow.

Rita Feutl is another versatile Edmonton author who’s perhaps best known for her middle-grade novel, “Rescue At Fort Edmonton.” Rita has also co-written picture books with fellow Edmonton author Debby Waldman. Rita’s latest offering, “Bike Thief,” is a gritty YA title for reluctant readers at the high-school level. Something I love best about this story: it’s told from the point-of-view of the actual bike thief. Very cool.

Sadly, I couldn’t lay my hands on any of Joan Marie Galat’s children’s titles in my personal collection just now (a sure testament to their popularity among my younger friends and family members). Instead, here are cover pictures of Joan’s adult titles, “Give Yourself A Pep Talk” and “Day Trips From Edmonton.” As for Joan’s children’s books, I can’t resist offering special mention to Joan’s award-winning “The Discovery Of Longitude”–one of my favourite picture books–and to her brilliant “Dot To Dot In The Sky” series about the night sky. Joan’s newest title, “Branching Out: How Trees Are Part of our World” also promises to be an engaging read.

Although Sue Farrell Holler and Karen Bass live north of Edmonton (in Grande Prairie and Hythe respectively), I’d like to acknowledge them here too. Both are fine children and teen authors who frequently travel to Edmonton to participate in local book events. I’m delighted to have their titles among my kidlit collection.

Finally, these are my book offerings. “Vanish” and “Dog Walker” are both written for 10-14 year-old readers and are set in Edmonton. Although they are geared toward reluctant readers, I am thrilled that they are similarly read and enjoyed by avid readers.

But do you remember my earlier comment about this being an imperfect guide to Edmonton kidlit authors? At the risk of sounding terribly haphazard, the above books are those which I could readily locate within my personal collection. In other words, this blog barely scratches the surface when it comes to all that Edmonton and area authors are turning out for young readers.

In the very least though, I hope that I’ve succeeded in whetting your appetite for finding out more about what Edmonton’s professionally-published kidlit authors have to offer.

As for “Smorgasbook: A Youth Literature Buffet,” it will feature several of the local authors I’ve mentioned above, among others.

There will be opportunities to purchase signed, personalized copies of books, and the speaker’s line-up includes:

Joan Marie Galat, “Branching Out: How Trees Are Part Of Our World”

Jim Sellers, “Jackie The Brave”

Karen Spafford-Fitz, “Vanish”

Georgia Graham, “Nana’s Summer Surprise”

Bill Bunn, “Duck Boy”

Natasha Deen, “Guardian”

Larry Loyie & Constance Brissenden, “Residential Schools, With The Words & Images Of Survivors”

Kate Asha Boorman, “Winterkill”

Lorna Schultz Nicholson, “Hoop Dreams,” “Puckster’s Christmas Hockey Tournament,” and “Puckster Plays The Hockey Mascots”

and Marty Chan, “Demon Gate.”

I look forward to hearing the various authors speak about their new titles and to growing my collection of kidlit books by local authors. I will be sure to take my Christmas shopping list to Whitemud Library with me on Wednesday, and I look forward to meeting friends and book lovers there. I would love to see you among them.

As a children’s author, I find that the best professional development involves reconnecting with kids and teenagers whenever possible. And once again, the Young Alberta Book Society’s “Taleblazers” program afforded me that opportunity throughout October.

Taleblazers features a fall touring program designed to promote literacy by connecting authors, illustrators, and storytellers with students across the province.

Guess who thought she was going on tour with her mom…

This is my second year of Taleblazing and once again, I returned with my thoughts spinning over the many special moments along the way.

Connecting with young readers in Bonnyville, Alberta.

Memorable Questions: I am continually amazed by the thought-provoking and sometimes hilarious questions that students ask, such as–

• How many books do you think you’ll write before you die? (Ummm…)
• Are there any writers who you think of as your rivals? (Cue reality tv show… duelling authors…. pen mightier than the sword, etc, etc)
• Why is your last name so long? (I’ve always had this thing about hyphens–and putting together random names–especially when they have lots of–uh–F’s in them–and isn’t the Z at the end a sweet touch?)

The Terry Fox Run READ: I met a lovely student in Bonnyville who WALKED the Terry Fox Run the week before my visit. This might not be unusual except that her ulterior motive was to finish reading Vanish. I’m happy to report that K., nose in book, successfully completed both Vanish and the Terry Fox Run without incident.

Wonderful to see so many Orca titles at the Veteran Municipal Library.

Moral Dilemma: Some of my books were stolen from a school library that I visited. While I don’t endorse theft, I admit to feeling a titch flattered. I mean, of all the possible books to steal, he/she stole MINE. (Does that make me a bad person?)

I presented to students from Turner Valley and Black Diamond inside the stunning, three-year-old Sheep River Library in southern Alberta.

Lesson Learned: The group that shuffles, wiggles, and paces more than any other group EVER can also be completely tuned to you. Many thanks to the active and actively-engaged grade 4/5 students of Black Diamond for teaching me this!

Warm praise for the teachers and librarians who work tirelessly to foster literacy. Librarian Isabelle Mineau (left) of École Dr. B. Brosseau School is one such literacy warrior.

Success Reveals Itself In Diverse Ways:

• when the too-cool-for-school-“here’s-a-special-insult-just-for-you” student leans in to catch everything you’re saying, then actively participates in the Q&A session at the end.
• when the student who physically can’t sit still voluntarily leaves the carpet to go and shuffle at the edge of the group–a strategy that he knows helps him listen better and retain information.
• when the unreadable teacher leaves off with her unfinished stack of marking, finally makes eye contact, and thanks you at the end of the presentation.
• when the shy student with speech problems summons up the courage to ask you a question and it’s a question that NO OTHER STUDENT has ever asked and that you’re DYING to answer. (“What else do you know about that mean teacher at the start of Vanish?” Love it!!!)
• when the students leave the library pestering their librarian to catalogue your books FAST because they NEED to read them RIGHT AWAY!
• when the special needs student seeks you out afterward to tell you her puppy story and to assure you she’d “worn her thinking cap” the whole time you were talking.
• when you receive waves and calls of “Bye, Karen!” as you drive out of town. [Related: the best way to meet friends in an unfamiliar small town is to present to the entire school. In this instance, the student population was 56.] Thank you, Veteran Alberta!

What makes libraries so irresistible? a) the books; b) the kids; c) the people who work there; or d) all of the above. I’m going with D for the win!

Best Answer Ever:

Me: So where do story ideas come from?

Grade four student: From the back right corner of your imagination.

Me: YES! *happy-dances*  *wishes she had thought of that herself*

Dale from 24-7 Brigleys Towing is “The Patron Saint of Stranded Alberta Authors.” Just ask anyone. Or at least me.

Small-Town Kindness: In Coronation–a small town in east-central Alberta–the clutch on my truck jammed. I was stuck and in the process of cancelling some upcoming visits when Dale of “24-7 Brigleys Towing” arrived on the scene. After tinkering with the clutch pedal, he soon uttered the words I’d abandoned hope of hearing: “Looks like you’re good to go.” And then he wouldn’t accept any payment because “It doesn’t really feel like I did anything.” Seriously. SERIOUSLY??? Hopefully Dale and his family are enjoying their signed copy of Dog Walker.

Despite the many “memorables,” the best thing about hanging out with kids is the kids themselves and their unique way of reminding me that what I do–the writing, the touring, the presenting–is important. I have made several career changes over the years, but all have focussed on trying to make a difference in kids’ lives. I can truly say that the students I met as a Taleblazer in October have, in turn, made a difference in mine.

#luckyauthor

“Welcome to Bonnyville, Karen Spafford-Fitz.”
“Thank you, Bonnyville. I feel very welcome indeed!”

Tomorrow marks my first author visit as part of the TaleBlazers 2014 tour. This program is part of the Young Alberta Book Society’s annual campaign to promote literacy by bringing working artists into school and libraries throughout the province.

My first visit of the 2014 tour happens in Bonnyville, a small town which is a three-hour drive northeast of Edmonton. The sunshine and the ever-present big Alberta sky made for beautiful driving conditions today. The few clouds were hanging low enough that I felt like I could reach up and tear off pieces then stuff them into my mouth like handfuls of sun-bleached cotton candy.

And while I sometimes hear people complain that “Alberta is so flat” (and that’s a problem for WHAT reason???), I find the rolling countryside irresistible and soothing. At several points along the way, I was tempted to pull over, swap out my walking shoes for running shoes, and go for a run through the golden, hay-stubbled fields among the massive jellyroll-styled hay bales.

I resisted though and continued following that beautiful open sky all the way to Bonnyville, at which time my usual touring routine kicked in: checking into my hotel, then locating my school in readiness for the next day’s visit.

École Dr. Bernard Brosseau School
grades 5-8; English and French immersion

Sure enough, I easily found École Dr. Brosseau School. At 6:30 pm on a Sunday, it was empty but for a family playing in the nearby park. The quiet however was perfect as it gave me an opportunity to savour this lovely greeting.

Needless to say, I can’t WAIT to meet the wonderful school librarian who has spearheaded the school’s “Read It 4WRD 2014” program. And of course I’m especially excited about meeting the students!

The Happy Valley Family Restaurant’s “Combo Dinner For One,” which I have renamed the “Combo Dinner For Three-And-A-Half.”

I turned next to finding the Chinese restaurant that the hotel clerk recommended. Sure enough, the offerings at the Happy Valley Family Restaurant were as delicious as I’d heard.

And as I head into tomorrow’s sessions with my students, I only hope I can live up to the message contained within my fortune cookie.

“You will be a lion in your own cause.”

Boards. They’re not very exciting, are they? They don’t do tricks. They certainly don’t serve me food or drinks or anything at all. Sheesh.

Bored by Boards. That term exactly expresses my sentiment about serving on boards and committees. Such tasks sound endlessly dry, dull, sedentary… and painfully grown-up. And so, it is no wonder that I have made a career of avoiding them.

As someone whose varied careers and roles have generally involved children and youths, the payoffs for avoiding the dreaded boards and committees have been many. For example, instead of sitting on the fundraising committee for my children’s Parent Council Association, I gave back to the school by chaperoning countless field trips. (Pond dipping, anyone?)  (Here, let me shove my hand into that pumpkin and de-gut it for you. It’s only gross if you think about it too long.)

In my teaching years, I was masterful at avoiding lunch-hour and after-school meetings. My strategy largely involved sharing my love of sports with kids. As such, numerous meetings blissfully passed me by while I coached students in track and field or cross-country running, or while I supervised floor hockey in the gym.

As a parent of athletic children, my club volleyball contributions involved arranging healthy “grazing stations” for the teens during their tournament weekends, and score-keeping their games. In so doing, I had a blast–all while skirting the dreaded roles of secretary or (God forbid!) treasurer, which also required attendance at club meetings.

Sitting on boards… This is what it means, right?

In short, I am a doer–not a sitter, and my avoidance tactics have served me well… until today, when I begin my three-year term as Board Member with the Young Alberta Book Society (YABS).

After years of being a Board dodger, how do I feel about this turn of events?

Let me put it this way… Do you know people who swore they’d never date or get married again, yet who are enjoying wedded bliss as we speak? I do too, and presumably all it took was finding “the right person.” Well, I have found my right person. Or in this case, the right organization: YABS.

And what’s not to love about this description: “For over 25 years, YABS has been an advocate for children’s literacy in Alberta. Its mission is ‘to foster literacy and a love of reading among young people in Alberta by providing access to the province’s literary artists and their work.'”

Literacy, love of reading, young people, Alberta, literary artists… Sold!

So here I am–a newly-minted Board member who, with any kind of luck, might even be able to manage the “adult” part of the equation for a few hours. Best of all, I have a back-up plan; I am going to secretly (shhh!) pack along a soccer ball, a pair of running shoes, and a whistle–in case my first meeting threatens to get too serious.

Several months ago, I applied for the 2014 Cenovus Wordpower Book Tour– a project that allows students to interact with working artists while promoting literacy.

I was thrilled to learn weeks later that I was selected to be one of eight artists to travel to southern Alberta–specifically Medicine Hat, Redhill, Brooks and Rosemary–from April 6th to April 11th.

As I expected, the week sped past and I have now settled back into my non-tour life with my family and my writing schedule. My mind however keeps bouncing back to these beautiful tour moments:

The “Firsts:” Although I’ve presented dozens of workshops to students in grades 4-9, division one (grades K-3) and division four (grades 10-12) were new to me. I was thrilled then that my workshops were well received by the students and teachers. I had a blast slipping into my top-secret Superhero Alter-ego with the Littles, and loved sharing “Writing Beyond High School” with the Bigs. I look forward to putting my expanded repertoire to further use in the days ahead.

Can you guess what type of adventure I went on with my division one students?

Lights, Camera, Action: My first presentation was to grade eight Leadership students in Medicine Hat, who were paired with grade one buddies for a picture-book writing project. Given that my newest novel features grade eight Leadership students paired with “Kinderbuddies,” I felt like I was on a real-life movie set for Vanish. *cue bright lights*   *author swoons*

Living the Dream [Option Class] in Medicine Hat: Over the past week, I have asked myself this question many times: How come I never got to lead a Novel Studies option class back in my junior-high teaching years? Thankfully, I got to live that dream in Medicine Hat with a group of grade seven students who, like me, enjoy nothing better than reading, discussing and recommending YA novels. Hats off to those avid readers and writers in the Hat!

Evening falling over Brooks

Getting to know the Brooks community: First, a bit of background… the major industry in Brooks is a meat-packing plant which recruits workers from all over the world–Philippines, Sudan, Somalia, Mexico, Afghanistan, Colombia, etc. As a result, Brooks is a true multicultural mosaic and throughout my three days there, the beautiful languages, exotic accents, and stories made me feel like I had travelled far beyond Alberta’s borders. I so appreciated the warm welcome, and the students taught me Spanish phrases, told me about their homelands, and shared their experiences as new Canadians. Lucky me!

The Bold and the Timid: I have come to love the moments that follow my presentations as this is when students either burst forward, or more cautiously migrate in my direction with shy smiles. The intention is often to share reading recommendations or to tell me about the books they are writing. Throughout Wordpower, I learned about several works-in-progress, including sci-fi missions, the zombie apocalypse and romance plots. Given the students’ enthusiasm and expertise, I’m sure I brushed up against several next-generation authors last week. I love knowing that my future reading choices are in their capable hands.

Very excited to see so many great Orca titles in the library at Brooks Composite High School.

Best Compliment Ever: While getting my lunch one day, two junior-high students were making out by the school entrance. I discreetly looked away, only to have the grade nine boy stop necking with his girlfriend, look up, and say “Great presentation!” My nephew, who is of a similar age, shared a key point with me: “It’s not even what he said, it’s that he stopped kissing with his girlfriend to say it. That means you did good!”  *beams with pride*

Fabulous ambiance and food at Wasana Restaurant. Padt Thai–oh yum!

Dining: Of course, one can’t visit a new community without sampling some local cuisine. Thankfully, a colleague suggested Wasana Restaurant, a Thai/Vietnamese eatery just outside of town. As I soon learned, the menu is varied, the ingredients are fresh, and the piping-hot food arrives swiftly. The major draw however is Kam, the delightful restaurant owner and chef. Kam’s enthusiasm is infectious, and his dinner recommendations included house favourites, as well as new dishes that hadn’t hit the official menu. During my final visit to Wasana, Kam grew especially animated. “Here’s something you’re going to like. I want to make this for you.” And in deference to my low-spice threshold, he kindly added, “For you, one chili only.” Simply, Wasana is a must-visit while staying in or passing through Brooks.

Being a member of Cenovus Wordpower South: Because of our varied schedules, I did not cross paths with Team South members, Kathy Jessup and Tollolwel Mollel. I did however enjoy dinner and evening gatherings with the other south-touring authors and illustrators: Debby Waldman, Jacqueline Guest, Sue Farrell Holler, and Georgia Graham. I also had the pleasure of working with tour partner extraordinaire, Mary Hays–a talented storyteller from the Calgary area whose expertise, calm perspective and friendship were great gifts to me.

Talented storyteller Mary Hays holds her junior-high audience rapt

Throughout the week, I presented to over 800 students. Most were in junior high, although they ranged from kindergarten to grade eleven. In the time that we shared, I hope that I succeeded in sparking their enthusiasm for literacy. I hope too that they remember the promise I made them: that if they work at becoming stronger readers and writers, their lives will be better and easier in ways that they have not yet imagined. In turn, my life is already better for having met them.

Many thanks to Cenovus Energy for funding the tour, and to the Young Alberta Book Society for organizing it.

Three Alberta authors; three takes on YA fiction.
Karen Bass (historical fiction author); Karen Spafford-Fitz (contemporary author); Marty Chan (steampunk author)

I had a good feeling heading into 2014. Sure enough, it’s away to a roaring start and a personal highlight is the Book Signing Tour that I’ve undertaken with fellow-YA authors, Karen Bass and Marty Chan. Throughout February, we’ve held successful signings at three Edmonton-area Chapters stores: West Edmonton Mall, Sherwood Park, and St. Albert.

We are soon heading to Edmonton’s south side for the final weekend of the tour. On Saturday, March 22 from noon until 4:00 pm, Karen, Marty and I will be at Whyte Avenue Chapters to chat with book lovers and to sign our books.

On Sunday, March 23, we will be at Indigo South Edmonton Common from noon to 4:00 pm. We look forward to reconnecting with our friends and to meeting new ones. Marty, Karen and I are always happy to talk about writing and books, and we love inspiring young people to see themselves as writers.

We hope you can join us!

Alberta authors Marty Chan, Karen Spafford-Fitz and Karen Bass will appear at Sherwood Park Chapters

I’m proud to announce that Marty Chan, Karen Bass and I will hold a second book signing. We will be at the Sherwood Park Chapters on Sunday, February 9 from noon until 4:00 pm to meet our fans and to sign our books.

Marty, Karen and I have collectively written books for young people from three to 16 years old, and our genres include contemporary fiction, historical fiction, mystery, steampunk, and adventure.

Along with information about the authors, here are the titles we’ll have on hand in Sherwood Park:

Alberta author, KAREN BASS, writes realistic novels for teens, often exploring little-known aspects of WWII. Her latest book, Graffiti Knight, is a gritty action/adventure story set in a dystopia that actually existed: post-WWII Germany in the Soviet Zone.

Karen’s books: Graffiti Knight, Drummer Girl, Summer of Fire, and Run Like Jager.

MARTY CHAN writes plays for adults and books for kids. He’s best known for the Marty Chan Mystery Series. His latest book, The Ehrich Weisz Chronicles: Demon Gate, is his first book for young adults.

Marty’s books: The Ehrich Weisz Chronicles: Demon Gate; Barnabas Bigfoot series (A Close Shave, A Hairy Tangle, and The Bone Eater); True Story; Marty Chan Mysteries (The Mystery of the Frozen Brains, The Mystery of the Graffiti Ghoul, The Mystery of the Mad Science Teacher, and The Mystery of the Cyber Bully).

As for me, KAREN SPAFFORD-FITZ, I am the author of two middle-grade novels. Vanish and Dog Walker are both fast-paced books that appeal to even the most reluctant readers. They feature realistic teenagers who live in Edmonton.

We hope to see you in Sherwood Park!

Karen Spafford-Fitz, Marty Chan and Karen Bass – a trio of young adult authors from Alberta

Edmonton authors Marty Chan and Karen Spafford-Fitz are teaming up with Hythe author Karen Bass for a book signing at the West Edmonton Mall Chapters on Saturday, February 8 from noon until 4:00 pm.

These three writers share a unique bond: they all transitioned from other successful careers to success in publishing.

Former playwright Marty Chan, former teacher Karen Spafford-Fitz, and former librarian Karen Bass now write fiction for young adults, and will be on site at West Edmonton Mall  to meet their fans and to sign copies of their books.

Hope to see everyone there!

The words have dried up.

I’ve changed the sentence seven times. Then changed it back seven times.

My brain is so fuzzy that I no longer remember my protagonist’s name.

I make one more flailing attempt to continue writing, but the signs are irrefutable. It’s time for a break. Or, in more exotic terms, a Mini Writing Retreat.

Like most writers, I have my favourite form of writing break  retreat. It involves a racing pulse, and pure and simple movement in the great outdoors. Its name is…

…running.

Running refuels my writing batteries to the point where I fear I might not be able to write if I couldn’t run (although I understand other authors somehow accomplish such a feat).

I have been a devout runner for many years, and my running practice and my mileage peak once the temperatures drop and the snow flies. Those are the days when I am extra inclined to “fake sick,” ditch my writing, and head outdoors for a run.

On one such recent day, snow had fallen non-stop overnight and the temperature was a brisk -11 degrees Celsius (minus 18c with windchill). Images of my favourite running trails tickled the edges of my addled brain. The laptop before me was soon powered off.

I grabbed my running gear. Even as the layering process began, I could already feel my head beginning to clear.

Author or ninja?

(And really, is there a more glamorous item of clothing than a balaclava? I think not.)

Meanwhile, my beautiful Dion running snowshoes—my white, orange and black beauties–were summoning me from the garage.

My Darling Dion twins, how I missed you this summer. Time to go play!

With the Dion twins at my feet, I stepped onto the trail. I could hardly believe my river valley had transformed into something even more magical overnight.

My co-writer/runner agreed, as was evident by her exuberant “Dashing Through The Snow” routine.

As always, I didn’t consciously think about my work-in-progress while I ran. Yet somehow the gnarly bits of plot and character that had eluded me when I was sitting before the laptop began sorting themselves out. They untangled themselves further with each crunchy snowshoe stride and each inhalation of chilled air.

When I eventually surfaced and parked my snowshoes back in my garage, I was ready to continue writing. I was also confident that whenever I next needed a Mini Writing Retreat, all I had to do was firmly strap on my snowshoes and re-enter my magical winter portal–from which I would again emerge refreshed and ready to resume my writing.

I am so proud of the grade 5/6 students at Kitaskinaw School in Enoch, Alberta for sharing their story ideas with me. After we collaborated, I finished writing this story called “Missing.” The students have enough great ideas to write many stories. I hope they will! 

Missing

“Hurry up!” Marcy says.

I walk faster. A lot of leaves have fallen onto the sidewalk overnight. I don’t see anything in front of me until I nearly step on it.

“It’s a backpack.” Marcy picks it up.

“It probably belongs to someone from our school,” Kyler says. “Maybe there’s a name inside.”

Kyler checks.

“Nope,” he says.

“Let’s get going,” Marcy says. “We’ll hand it in at the office.”

The bell rings and kids take off running.

Kyler tosses the backpack to me. “Here,” he ways. “You found it. You can turn it in.”

I sigh and head to the office.

Mrs. Granger is pulling out late slips when I get there. She loves lecturing students about being on time.

She is opening her mouth when I start talking. “I found this backpack. It was lying on the sidewalk near the school.”

I lift it and something shifts inside. A pencil box and a picture book nearly fall out.

“Was it open when you found it?” Mrs. Granger asks.

“No. Kyler opened it. He was looking for a name.” I push everything back inside.

“Was anyone else with you and Kyler?”

“Marcy,” I say.

I give her the backpack. Mrs. Granger looks disappointed that she doesn’t get to write out a late slip. I smile and go to class.

It’s lunchtime when some announcements come over the PA system.

“Marcy, Kyler and Alex—report to the office. Immediately.”

I close my locker and look at my friends.

“What do you think that is about?” Marcy asks.

“No idea,” I say.

Mrs. Granger is waiting for us at the office. “You three kids had better talk fast.”

“What—?”

“Don’t pretend you don’t know what’s going on.” She plunks the backpack onto the counter. “Do you recognize this?”

“Of course,” I say. “I brought it here.”

“And you all touched it this morning?”

We nod.

“Then you better explain to me why thirty dollars is missing from inside it.”

“Thirty dollars? But we didn’t—”

I look at Mrs. Granger’s face. She does not believe us. I have an idea.

I reach down and turn my pockets inside out. Kyler and Marcy do the same. “Look, no money.”

“You can check our lockers too,” Kyler says.

“Don’t play games with me!” Mrs. Granger is shaking with rage. “I have worked with students for a very long time—and this proves nothing. Clearly you have hidden the money somewhere else.”

She glares at each of us in turn.

“I will say this just once: until you repay the money, all three of you are suspended.”

As we walk out of the school, Marcy’s lip quivers. “I’ve never been suspended before. My mom is going to be really mad.”

“Mine too,” Kyler says. “Mrs. Granger has probably phoned our parents already.”

“What if they believe her about the money,” Marcy says. “Maybe we should try to borrow thirty dollars to give to her.”

“No,” I say. “We didn’t steal any money. That wouldn’t be fair.”

We are almost home. I grab their arms and pull them to a stop.

“Since we’re already in trouble,” I say, “let’s not go straight home.”

“Alex, are you nuts?” Kyler says.

“Yeah,” Marcy says. “Do you want us to get in even more trouble?”

“Of course not,” I say. “But we have to prove that we are innocent. Let’s retrace our steps to where we found the backpack.”

“Yeah,” Kyler says. “Maybe the money fell out when I opened the backpack.”

“Exactly,” I say. “So we need to search for the money.”

“Or a wallet,” Marcy says.

We look everywhere—from the front door of the school, to where we found the backpack. We kick about a ton of leaves out of our way. But still, we don’t find a thing.

“What if someone picked it up?” Kyler says.

I nod sadly. “Yeah. We found the backpack three hours ago.”

We slump down against a tree to rest.

“I guess there’s nothing else to do,” Marcy says. “We have to go home.”

I shake my head. “There must be another way to prove we’re innocent. What do they do in the movies?”

Kyler laughs. “In the movies, they have fancy surveillance equipment. We don’t have that.”

“But there are security cameras around the school,” Marcy says. “Remember they installed them last year after someone broke a bunch of windows?”

Kyler and I sit up straighter.

“You’re right, Marcy,” I say. “We could tell Mrs. Granger to check the video cameras.”

“Have you forgotten that we’re suspended? That means we aren’t allowed back to school.”

I take a deep breath. “We don’t have any choice.”

We step into the school. Lunch is almost over and people are swarming everywhere. Nobody notices us .

“Where would we find the video cameras?” Marcy asks.

“Let’s check the office,” I say. “Act casual.”

It’s not easy to act casual when you’ve been suspended. But we slip inside the office. Right away, we hear Mrs. Granger’s voice.

“Oh no!” I say. “Fast—in here!”

We run into the storage closet by the front counter. We don’t have time to fully close the door before we see Mrs. Granger.

“So you lost your backpack this morning, Nora?” she says to a little girl in grade two.

“Yes. On my way to school.”

“Can you describe it to me?”

“It’s blue with red straps. It has a picture of Dora the Explorer on the front.”

Marcy, Kyler and I nod. That sounds exactly like the backpack that we found.

“Is your name inside it?” Mrs. Granger asks.

“No,” Nora says. “But I had a pink pencil case inside and two picture books. And my lunch.”

Nora has a little voice and we press closer to try and hear her.

“Anything else?” Mrs. Granger asks.

“No.”

At that moment, Kyler trips over Marcy’s foot. He tumbles to the floor and the closet door slams shut.

“Who’s in there?” Mrs. Granger says. “Open the door immediately!”

Kyler, Marcy and I look at each. We have no choice. We slowly open the door.

Mrs. Granger starts yelling at us. But I hardly hear her. My mind is stuck on what Nora just said.

There was nothing else inside her backpack.

“Quiet!” I yell back at Mrs. Granger.

She is so surprised that she stops talking.

I turn to Nora. “Did you say there was nothing else in your backpack?”

Nora nods. “Just my pencil box, two library books, and my lunch.”

“Was there any money?”

Nora’s eyes grow large. “No.” She shakes her head. “My mom and my auntie don’t let me take money to school. They say it might get stolen.”

“So you never had any money in that backpack at all?” Kyler asks.

“No,” Nora says.

We all turn to Mrs. Granger. “But you said—”

Marcy is the first to speak. “You were trying to get money from us!”

“You have no proof of that,” Mrs. Granger says.

“Maybe we do,” I say.

I dash into the principal’s office. Mr. Sheldon, our principal, is sitting at a small table in the corner. He is peering at a video screen.

He looks up as we enter. “Just a minute, kids,” he says. “I don’t know what’s wrong with this machine. It’s been malfunctioning lately.”

Mrs. Granger flashes an evil smile.

“Luckily though,” Mr. Sheldon says, “we have a back-up system in the caretaker’s office.”

He phones Mrs. Crouter who soon appears with a tape in her hand.

Kyler takes it from her and puts it into the machine. Our eyes grow as we watch Mrs. Granger searching through dozens of backpacks and lunch kits. We even see her finding money and stuffing it into her pocket.

“Mrs. Granger!” Mr. Sheldon says. “I can’t believe this!”

“I do!” I say. “She suspended us until we pay back the thirty dollars that she SAID we stole from Nora’s backpack.”

Nora shakes her head. “I never bring money to school. My mom and auntie said it would get stolen.”

“Your mom and your auntie are right,” I say.

“And since there wasn’t any money there,” Marcy says, “she lied and said there was.”

“Mrs. Granger, you are permanently suspended from your job!”

Mr. Sheldon turns to Kyler, Marcy and me. “This isn’t the first time money has gone missing. I will review the entire video carefully. I’m sure I will find it most interesting.” He glares at Mrs. Granger who turns and slinks out of the office.

“We’ll be in touch!” Mr. Sheldon calls after her.

“Don’t hurry back!” I say.

We all laugh.

“Thank you, kids, for solving this case. I’m sorry you were suspended from school—even for just an hour. Welcome back!”

I look at the school motto written above his desk. “Together is always better.”

I look at my friends and I smile. Yes, together is definitely better!

The End